CAES Morocco: Advanced Leadership Theories, Ethics, and Culture

Something I have been wondering about since we have arrived in Morocco is their health care. With all of the farmers we have seen using handmade or industrial equipment and the women working in factories or on the floor using rocks as tools, I was curious about the state of protection that the government provides these workers and how it compares to the United States. Specifically, after seeing the process of women in the argon cooperative cracking open argon seeds with blunt rocks on the floor, I then notices their bandaged fingers and hands, which propelled my deeper dive into the healthcare system of Morocco.  Morocco has a two tiered healthcare system including both a public and a private sector. The state is the primary provider as it accounts for 85% of supply whereas the private sector is only 15%. Most spending, however, is done in the private sector as it was a 60% private to 40% public ratio in 2022. Universities across the country also provide hospitals and supplies to s...

         Among the most fun stops on the trip was when we had to the chance to see Gnaoua music performed. For this experience, we were brought into the performance area, served tea, then got to hear the music. The musicians were dressed in traditional attire and performed with an array of unique instruments and rhythmic clapping. The power of their voices and the beat of the tune was mesmerizing for us as listeners. In the end, many of us were even inspired to join the dance ourselves, gathering around in a circle and taking part of the joy.      I wanted to know more about the history of gnaoua and the people that inspire such music. I found the history of gnaoua (or 'gnawa') to be a look into the changing history of formerly enslaved individuals brought to North Africa. During the slave trade, many Sub-Saharan peoples were brought to North Africa, bringing with them their practices and customs. From the 16th century, gnaoua music...

  After being in Morocco for 10 days, I have made some observations regarding accessibility for people with disabilities.   It is uncommon to see handicapped stalls in restrooms; elevators and doorways are very narrow, and stairways have no ramps at a wheelchair-accessible incline.  I realized that this country, while very welcoming, tolerant, and kind is not a country that is easily accessible to those who depend on a wheelchair for mobility.   While I have witnessed things like flags being displayed on minarets for times of prayer for those hearing impaired and read about the government's push in 2017, where " an inter-ministerial committee had been established to implement strategies and programs on the rights of persons with disabilities, as outlined in the national action plan 2017-2021." The plan does not focus on basic accessibility but mostly on access to education. "Despite institutional developments with respect to inclusive education, the Council...